A SEASON that promised so much ended up with so little, as United manager Kenny Shiels suffered for his team's disappointing form.

Early season exploits in the Intertoto Cup seen a historic away draw against Danish side Odense BK, however the return leg ended in a 7-0 hammering - with Spanish side Villarreal awaiting the victors in the next round.

However, the most disappointing aspect of the season - other than the poor performances of Shiels' big money signings – was losing to unfancied Larne in the semi-finals of the Irish Cup. Mark Dickson scored from the spot for the only goal, in a game in which United fans will still be wondering how their side lost the game, as Larne goalkeeper Alex Spackman had the game of his life to deny the Sky Blues.

The highlight of the league season had to be beating Linfield at Windsor Park for the first time in 15 years. But despite a poor start the league campaign, Ballymena United kicked into gear after Christmas and looked odds on to again qualify for Europe, but fell away towards the end of the season and eventually finished a meagre eighth in the Premier League; This, ultimately, cost Shiels his job after four and half years in charge.

The other cups produced little success, as United were knocked out of the League Cup at the quarter-final stage by Glentoran, however, it was the humiliating 1-0 defeat to Kilmore Rec. in the first round of the County Antrim Shield which proved a very hard pill to swallow.

Performance wise, goals proved very hard to come by with Rory Hamill and Oran Kearney both finish on seven goals to be the top goalscorers. Consistant defender Ciaran Donaghy only missed one game, to finish the season with 44 games.

Final League Position - 8th (from 16)

Irish Cup - Semi-Final - defeated by Larne
League Cup - Quarter-Final - defeated by Glentoran
County Antrim Shield - First Round - defeated by Kilmore Rec.

UEFA Intertoto Cup - First Round - defeated by Odense BK

Total games played - 45
Total wins - 16
Total draws - 17
Total defeats - 12
Total goals scored - 58
Total goals conceded - 56

Biggest home win - 4-0 v. HW Welders - 08-Mar-05 (Irish Cup)
Biggest away win - 2-0 v. Lisburn Distillery - 27-Nov-04 (League); 2-0 v. Omagh Town - 29-Mar-05 (League); 2-0 v. Coleraine - 23-Apr-05 (League)

Biggest home defeat - 0-7 v. Odense BK - 26-Jun-04 (Intertoto Cup)
Biggest away defeat - 0-3 v. Portadown - 06-Nov-04 (League)

Total players used - 30
Most appearances (all competitions) - Ciaran Donaghy (44)
Most appearances (league only) - Ciaran Donaghy (30)

Leading goalscorer (all competitions) - Rory Hamill Oran Kearney (both 7 goals)
Leading goalscorer (league only) - Oran Kearney, Gareth Mullan and Gary Smyth (all 4 goals)
Hat-tricks - None